Annapurna Sanctuary Trek: A Trip Of A Dream Himalayas Destination

A soul enriching, sensory feast of an adventure

“I see my path, but I don't know where it leads. Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it.”- Rosalia de Castro

If these words resonate with you, and you are ready to break away from the hum-drum of your daily life, then are you ready for a soul enriching, sensory feast of an adventure! If you enjoy traveling and hold a passion for knowing the unknown, seeing the unseen, and taking the road less travelled, then think Nepal and The Himalayas!

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek will give you a glimpse of the splendor and magnificence of the great Himalayas and memories that you will cherish for years to come. It's time you pack your bags and experience a whole new world that beckons you!

Annapurna Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary, Pokhara in Nepal

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a glacial basin formed by an oval shaped plateau that lies in the north of Pokhara in Nepal. With an altitude of more than 4000 meters, this valley offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding Annapurna mountain ranges that stand tall as guardians.

The mystery of Nature unfolds in the form of a unique ecosystem that results from the combination of the heights and depths of this beautiful valley. While the southern slopes are home to tropical forests, the northern slopes resemble the cold and dry climate of the Tibetan Plateau which lies nearby.

What’s equally interesting is that even in the peak of Summer, the surrounding mountains allow only 7 hours of sunlight to the valley. All these facts make the beauty of this place so ethereal!

Pokhara, Himalayas

The trek starts from Pokhara, a lakeside city, situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, and follows a winding trail that leads to the view point of Annapurna Sanctuary.

The abundance of flora and fauna along the way provides a panoramic view of the grand mountains. You will hike your way through several ascents and descents and pass the glacial Modi Khola river gorge.

You will pass through small, picturesque hamlets providing a fascinating glimpse of the Nepalese culture and lifestyle. On your way, you will come to know about the enthralling myths about the mysterious mountains lands.

Yak train on the trail

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Along the way you see an abundance of wildlife from the well-known yak, to the Argali sheep with huge curling horns, which remind you of something out of a Greek mythology book. There are also lizards, many bird species and rodents.

Unlike many other adventure treks of the Himalayas, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is considered to be comparatively less challenging since it has multiple alternative routes leading to Chhomorong. However, it’s good to start with a moderate level of physical fitness to complete the journey and it’s worth the effort as so many people who take this journey attest to.

You’ll stay at quaint tea houses in villages dotted along the trail. Your stay in these locations gives you time to acclimatize to the altitude whilst enjoying Nepalese hospitality. It's also good to know that by staying in traditional houses with locals, you're contributing immensely to the their local economy.

Himalayan mountain ranges of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Machapuchare

This classic walk will lead you to the heart of the Himalayan mountain ranges of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Machapuchare (Fish Tail) where you will find yourself enamored by a magical spell of Nature from rhododendron forests to sweeping valleys and deep gorges. The contrasts are huge, not just in nature, but also in the colorful cultural context of Buddhist tradition. There are many monasteries and prayer wheels to encounter along the way. Since the late 19th century, adventure lovers have launched expeditions along this route to explore the beauty of this uninhabited wilderness! Be prepared to expect the unexpected and get surprised by what you will experience on the way. Sometimes you'll be hiking through grey rocky terrain, and suddenly, from around the bend, you'll find yourself staring at a monastery that has popped up seemingly from nowhere. As Henry Miller says: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”

Active Adventure Trek in The Himalayas

The duration of an adventure trek in the Himalayas may vary anywhere from 10 to 19 days or more. Adventure treks are generally with small groups lead by experienced trek leaders and guides who accompany you, through your journey (and take care of all the tiny details so you can be fully present in your experience without distraction). Apart from leading the way in explaining all sorts of things about the culture, spiritual aspects of life in Nepal, your guides will share fascinating history, geography and stories about your Himalayan surroundings. A group of porters carrying your luggage may also be part of your expedition group, to take care of the physical loading of equipment and food.

Planning Your Trip

The two-week Annapurna Sanctuary Trek AST is one of the greatest treks on the planet. The Annapurna Sanctuary is an amphitheatre of mountains made up of three Annapurna peaks (South, I and III) as well as Gangapurna and Machapuchare (Fish Tail), with the famous trail winding its way through the valley beneath these mountains.

You'll start your trip by exploring the temples and markets of Kathmandu, Nepal's bustling capital city, before flying to the lakeside city of Pokhara at the foot of the Himalayas. Your journey will take us deep into the Himalayas, hiking up the glacial Modi Khola River gorge, passing through tiny Gurung settlements and into an alpine area that will take your breath away.

You can find out all you need to know about this Annapurna Sanctuary Trek itinerary and other details online, information like annual trip dates, things to carry, and the most suitable time of the year for taking this journey, and other useful information about accommodation, flights, local utilities restaurant culture, and more. Small group trips make for a more intimate experience. Make the most of this spectacular hiking trip and share your experience with like-minded adventure lovers.

So what are you waiting for - your Himalayan adventure awaits you - so go do it!